Spring Creek Village: Keeping in touch, although far away

Sonny and I left SCV early Wednesday morning (at least it was early if you use Pacific time!). We never hurry when we load up and head out. We are outside Atlanta as I write this. We will leave for Tunica on Sunday to spend a couple of days at their casinos. Until today, we have had weather that is much like Florida in August. Everywhere we have been, people are complaining about the heat and dry conditions.

Through the wonders of the Internet and thanks to the fact that most campgrounds/RV parks have WiFi access, I am always in touch with those in Ohio and Florida. My hometown reporter, Bonnie Gunsallus, let me know that one of the stolen golf carts has been recovered from El Dorado Acres off Coconut Road. The Owsleys had been away for two weeks, and upon their return, received a call from a tow company that they had their golf cart. It was held hostage until they paid an exorbitant fee to have it returned. It makes you wonder about who the thieves really are. Racket comes to mind! I'll probably never get my golf cart back after this is written.

The proper information was given to the police, including an alternate number in case I can't be reached. We'll see what happens.

The Amenities Board meeting on Thursday morning had about 25 residents in attendance. The new park manager, Art Bridger, was also in attendance, and Richard "Mo" Mosciski and Carol Chrisinske participated via telephone.

Marilyn Roberts didn't receive the information she needed from Lee County Disaster Assistance until after the meeting, but she has since posted it on the clubhouse bulletin board and I e-mailed it to everyone on the Banner list.

If you have not read it yet, take time to check it out. A lot of questions are answered as well as the assurance that a follow up letter will be sent when the investigation is complete. Marilyn explained about the CERT program (and I don't mean breath mints), and brought up the fact that mobile home tie downs need to be checked.

Several suggestions were read and some acted on. It was noted that if you do not sign your suggestion, it will be discarded. The new billing process for park fees was explained and residents were reminded to pay on time. A late fee will be enacted in the future as well as the quarterly payment schedule.

Action will be taken on the home on Leilani that was removed with the exception of its carport. It was noted that many people have used plywood to cover their windows to protect them during a hurricane. Residents will be asked to paint them so it doesn't look like a disaster area. Several other problems were addressed and Mr. Bridger will handle them.

I noticed in Saturday's Banner that Imperial Bonita Estates will host a meeting on July 5 at 2 p.m. for all 11 mobile home communities in the area. It will be worth your while to attend because it will give you information on what to do if another hurricane hits the area. Don't depend on someone else to bring this information to you; do it yourself. Too many people still say we've never had to do anything in the past 20-plus years, so why now? If you don't know the answer, ask some of your neighbors who suffered the loss of all or part of their home. It could have been their lives. Take this preparation seriously, please.

There is still time to sign up to see "The Lion King" on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Transportation will be provided. The cost to you is $58 per person. Payment can be made to Bonnie Gunsallus or me.

Have you signed up for the Fourth of July party yet? I understand that this community affair will be fun and have lots of good food. The list is on the bulletin board.

The "crowds" keep getting smaller, and so do the pots, but bingo will go on as usual. Last week's winners included Kay Hadam for the Layer Cake special and Rita Gallagher for the Letter X. Not to be outdone by his better half, Rita, Ron Hatch won the Cover All and Rose Higgins. Bill and Elaine Elliott didn't make it to bingo on their anniversary but celebrated their 60 years together this week instead. Congratulations!

Euchre on Wednesday night takes the place of potluck during the summer. It's too bad we don't have enough interest to do both. Evelyn Wright took first place and Herb Higgins and Joel Griffiths tied for second. Bill Elliott won both the booby prize and the door prize.

Wednesday afternoon still finds some canasta players having a good time, check it out! Thursday several residents are still bowling but it must really be for fun because I haven't gotten any details lately.

Thursday night is bridge and it seems there is always at least one table of participants. There is a sign up form on the bulletin board if you'd care to join them.

Friday's pinochle game winners were Joe Bohrer, Faye Neely and Bill Elliott. Ron Hatch won the booby prize.

Watch the board to see if Coffee Hour is on the schedule. You might still talk Herb into hosting another coffee and donut hour. The last couple of times we had some lively round table discussions.

I'm not sure what the next week will bring but I'll be in touch. Have a happy and healthy week. Drink lots of water and stay in the shade whenever possible. Hopefully, you will enjoy blue skies during the day, some rain at night and no big winds. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.